MONTREAL – With Veganuary well underway across Canada and internationally, Humane World for Animals is spotlighting new polling data which reveals strong and growing consumer demand for plant-based foods nationwide. According to a recent survey, 54% of Canadians now say they are interested in increasing or actively working to increase their consumption of plant-based foods. This data highlights an ongoing and urgently needed shift in Canadian eating habits, driven by growing awareness of the many benefits of plant-based diets.
The survey found that 24% of Canadians are “actively trying to eat more plant-based foods” and a further 30% are “interested in increasing” their “consumption of plant-based foods in the future.” This finding, that the majority Canadians want to adopt plant-forward diets, is in line with the plant-based sector’s momentum elsewhere—especially this month, as millions of people around the world are building new plant-based eating habits throughout January. It also represents an increase from other, similar polls in recent years (Neilsen, 2017; Charlebois, Somogyi and Music 2018).
The top driver, cited by 33% of respondents, is reducing food costs—a reflection of current economic realities and the savings associated with switching to plant-based proteins. Compassion for animals (30%) and reducing environmental impact (29%) closely follow, while health considerations such as lowering the risk of chronic disease (23%) and antibiotic resistance (21%) also play a significant role.
Riana Topan, program director, farmed animal protection, Humane World for Animals Canada stated: “The takeaway is clear: consumers are increasingly gravitating towards more plant-forward meals, seeing that they simply make sense for their wallets, their values and the planet. When governments, institutions and food businesses make plant-based choices easy and delicious, they’re not just meeting the growing demand—they’re helping build a healthier, more just and sustainable food system.”
The survey also reveals current barriers to plant-based eating, highlighting opportunity areas for policymakers and the food industry. Cost again tops the list, with 45% citing it as a challenge, followed by desires for improvement in taste or texture (36%) and concerns about nutrition (33%). Combined with practical issues of family preferences (30%), limited variety (25%) and lack of cooking skills (19%), the survey indicates a clear need for solutions that are accessible, cost-effective and appealing. Indeed, when asked if the government should invest in diversified protein production and if better (more sustainable, kinder and healthier) proteins should be prioritized in public institutions such as hospitals, schools and prisons, the majority of respondents who expressed a preference were in agreement.
For their part, food service establishments, manufacturers and retailers can address these barriers by leveraging lower-cost ingredients, offering samples or incentives to encourage consumers to try new offerings, clearly communicating the nutritional benefits, ensuring variety on shelves and menus and providing recipes or cooking tips.
The growing interest in plant-based eating in Canada signals a lasting shift in attitudes toward food and its far-reaching impacts. Recognizing the challenges many people face in changing their diets, food service operators and businesses can play a key role in moving plant-based options into the mainstream, ensuring they are always a convenient and satisfying choice. Humane World for Animals Canada encourages industry leaders to collaborate with their Forward Food program, which offers expert guidance, hands-on training and custom resources to help organizations successfully integrate delicious, nutritious plant-based items into their menus—benefiting animals, people and the planet.
Notes:
- Polling was conducted by Bryant Research on behalf of Humane World for Animals in November 2025, and includes a nationally representative sample of 1,010 people in Canada. Participants were recruited through the survey platform CINT. They gave their consent to take part in the study using a checkbox in the online survey, and were paid according to the CINT incentive scheme as described at https://www.cint.com/esomar28. Recruitment was segmented such that the sample was representative of Canada in terms of age group, gender, and region.
#